Global Engagement Trips
South Dakota
Experience Native American Culture
Explore beautiful South Dakota by visiting Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the Badlands, Custer State Park, and the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. From iconic monuments and breathtaking landscapes to gaining a deeper understanding of Native American culture and history, this journey offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.
Learning and interacting with...
Community Members
We work alongside YMCA leaders and volunteers on the Cheyenne River Reservation to expand and improve housing for women escaping domestic violence and their families, while also supporting other important projects across the reservation, including at YMCA Camp Marrowbone.
These efforts create spaces of safety and new beginnings while building meaningful connections within the community.
Learning and interacting with...
School Children
Our YMCA partners with the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires to support youth development across the reservation. Volunteers engage with children in afterschool programs, share meals in the reservation dining hall, and visit elementary schools in some of the most remote areas.
These interactions go beyond activities—they build confidence, spark curiosity, and create genuine connections.
Learning and interacting with...
YMCA Staff & Volunteers
Working with YMCA of the Seven Council Fires staff and volunteers is an incredibly welcoming and inspiring experience. Their deep commitment to community service and youth empowerment is evident in everything they do.
Many participants say this is the most meaningful part of the trip, as we build strong partnerships that transcend language and culture, creating lasting impact and lifelong friendships.
Native American Reservation
Cheyenne River
A visit to the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires offers a unique opportunity to engage with Native American traditions, values, and community in an authentic setting.
Through storytelling with local leaders, participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history, resilience, and culture of the Native American people.
Western Region
Black Hills
The Black Hills feature pine forests, granite peaks, and iconic landmarks like Custer State Park's Needles Highway and serene Sylvan Lake Lodge.
The area also boasts scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and a rich Native American cultural significance, making it a perfect memorable blend of adventure and tranquility.
Western Region
The Badlands
The Badlands of South Dakota feature dramatic landscapes of eroded cliffs, colorful canyons, and rugged terrain shaped by millions of years of natural forces.
This unique national park is home to diverse wildlife, scenic trails, breathtaking views, and some of the richest fossil beds in the United States.
Western Region
Mt. Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is an iconic monument in South Dakota featuring the 60-foot carved faces of four U.S. presidents, which for non-Indigenous peoples symbolize the nation’s ideals of democracy.
However, the area also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Native American tribes, adding layers of complexity to its history.
Western Region
Crazy Horse
The Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota is a massive mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and Native American heritage.
Still under construction, it features a visitor center, museum, and cultural programs, making it a powerful tribute to Indigenous history and resilience.
Western Region
Wall Drug
Wall Drug, located in Wall, South Dakota, is a quirky roadside attraction famous for its free ice water, homemade donuts, and unique Western-themed shops.
Originally a small pharmacy, it has grown into a sprawling tourist destination offering everything from souvenirs to photo ops with giant jackalope statues.
Cory Brazeal - Trip Leader
Hello! My name is Cory Brazeal, and I’ve had the privilege of leading several incredible YMCA Global Engagement trips — including my favorite, to the sovereign Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota!
It’s truly a meaningful experience — you’ve never seen America in this way before. The people, the culture, and the landscape make it unforgettable.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me using the link below. Thank you!
Mariah McLellan - Trip Leader
Háŋ! Greetings from the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in beautiful South Dakota! My name is Mariah McLellan, a member of the Lakota Nation and Program Director at the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires in Dupree.
I enjoy working with the Global Engagement program because visitors can experience our culture and life on the reservation while taking part in service projects that truly support our community. It’s a meaningful experience—you’ve never seen America quite like this. The people, culture, and landscape make it unforgettable.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me using the link below. Thank you!
